Blood and Daring

How Canada Fought the American Civil War and Forged A Nation

Blood and Daring will change our views not just of Canada's relationship with the United States, but of the Civil War, Confederation and Canada itself.

In Blood and Daring , lauded historian John Boyko makes a compelling argument that Confederation occurred when and as it did largely because of the pressures of the Civil War. Many readers will be shocked by Canada's deep connection to the war--Canadians fought in every major battle, supplied arms to the South, and many key Confederate meetings took place on Canadian soil. Boyko gives Americans a new understanding of the North American context of the war, and also shows how the political climate of the time created a more unified Canada, one that was able to successfully oppose American expansion.

Filled with engaging stories and astonishing facts from previously unaccessed primary sources, Boyko's fascinating new interpretation of the war will appeal to all readers of history. Blood and Daring will change our views not just of Canada's relationship with the United States, but of Confederation itself.

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Title is overdoing it, but this is a great introduction to how Canada came together to avoid the schisms of its neighbor, and to form a protective pact with Britain in response to U.S. notions of a takeover. The fledgling nation was also favorite repose for Confederate spies and adventurism, making itself a target of the North. A fun and edifying read, if somewhat more detailed than the sometimes disjointed story deserves.

The author says Lincoln made The Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862. In reality it was done on January 1, 1863. I wonder if he's mixed it up with the Battle of Antietam (or The Battle of Sharpsburg as it's known in the South).
Given such a glaring error one has to wonder how much of the hard to verify anecdotes happened or are the result of embellishment by Mr. Boyko. It would be best to either avoid this book or, at the very most, skim through it quickly.

Insightful and compelling book that explores the effect of the American Civil War, and vice versa. Boyko examines the war through six keystone historical figures on both sides of the border. He successfully makes the case through the story of the war and the events playing out on the Canadian side of the border that the war hastened Confederation into reality, and played a big part in shaping the character and political structure of the country. He also details the impact of Canada on the war itself, giving the reader a fresh look into the conflict that tore America apart. It's a highly readable book, one that brings the past alive, and essential reading, I think, for those who are interested in the subject on both sides of the border.